Influenza causes alterations to oligodendrocyte-specific transcripts and the myelin lipidome in the adult mouse central nervous system.

Abstract The notion that myelin remains static during adulthood has been challenged in recent years. Myelin is not only crucial for proper cognitive function and behavior, but it is vulnerable to alterations from external factors outside the window of development. Here, in the adult mouse CNS, RNA analysis revealed global downregulation and subsequent recovery of oligodendrocyte-specific transcripts in response to peripheral influenza viral infection. Furthermore, shot-gun lipidomic analysis revealed that infection alters the lipid profile in the prefrontal cortex as well as in purified brain myelin. Finally, treatment with the colony stimulating factor receptor (CSFR)1 antagonist GW2580 during infection suppressed glial activation and partially restored oligodendrocyte-specific myelin transcripts to baseline levels. Together, these findings reveal a yet unforeseen consequence of peripheral infection on oligodendrocyte homeostasis in the adult mouse.